Valkyrie: The Story of the Plot to Kill Hitler, by Its Last Member

von Boeselager, Philipp Freiherr. Valkyrie: The Story of the Plot to Kill Hitler, by Its Last Member. 2009. 211p. ISBN 9780307270757.

Many Germans were opposed to Hitler's rise to power in Germany, even in the military. As Europe descended in the flames of the Second World War, German military officers began plotting to kill their leader. Loyal to Germany, if not Hitler, they sought each other out, until a critical number of them were ready for action. Though they attempted to end Hitler's life many times, only the July 1944 bombing that partially injured the German dictator came close.

Philipp Freiherr von Boeselager was a member of a cavalry regiment with his older brother when Germany invaded Poland in 1939. An enthusiastic hunter and excellent horse trainer, Philipp loved his family and his country, and his deep Catholic faith informed all of his actions. Apolitical, Philipp at first cheered the war effort, determined to erase the humiliation Germany had suffered at the end of the First World War when the Treaty of Versailles was concluded. 

But when his regiment was transferred East to attack Russia in 1941, Philipp saw a darker side of Germany. SS divisions rolled through the plains, killing indiscriminately and hunting Jews and Communists. Appalled by what he saw, he was even more shocked to discover that these actions were not only supported and encouraged by the German leadership, but they were in fact state policy. Disgusted by these actions, Philipp sought others who, like him, had had enough. Working with his brother and the full knowledge of his commanding officers, a small group soon assembled to plot the assassination of Hitler and Himmler and plan a future for Germany.

Several attempts were planned, from shooting both men during an inspection to an army camp, to blowing Hitler's plane. When these attempts failed, the plotters determined to destroy Hitler's headquarters with him inside. In July 1944, von Stauffenberg placed the bomb and raced to Berlin, so that he could take control of the city. Philipp led his cavalry regiment away from the Russian front and rushed to Berlin as well, to support the overthrow. 

Unfortunately, this attempt too failed, and Hitler survived. SS units tracked down the conspirators, who were executed. Philipp managed to return to the front with his regiment, and thus avoided being discovered, and eventually the war ended with Hitler's suicide and Germany's unconditional surrender. 

Philipp, who survived the war, provides one of the most vivid account of German resistance and the steps they took to try to end the war sooner. Fans of history and of the Second World War will appreciate Philipp's devotion to his country and to his men, and will realize how close they came to fulfilling their goal of killing Hitler!